Woman accidentally hires scam artist to kill her husband, police say

Woman accidentally hires scam artist to kill her husband, police say

Brenda Mostiller, 54, attempted to hire someone to kill her estranged husband, according to Summerville police.

But although that person took sums of money from her on two different occasions, the police investigation determined that the individual "hired" by Mostiller had no intention of carrying out the act, according to a news release.

In addition to making two up-front payments for the slaying, investigators also determined that Mostiller had provided the individual with photos of her husband and suggested locations where the "hit" could take place.

Mostiller is charged with one count of criminal solicitation to commit murder, which is punishable by one to five years in prison.

The scammer, whose name has not been released, likely will not be charged for his actions, said Summerville Detective Brian Ozment.

Prosecutors had to choose whom to charge in the case, and decided on the party they considered the most dangerous, according to the release.